Chief Justice Kamanda Releases 11 Kailahun Inmates
KAILAHUN CORRECTIONAL CENTRE, 16 October 2026:
The Honourable Chief Justice of Sierra Leone, His Lordship Justice Komba Kamanda, has ordered the release of eleven (11) inmates serving sentences for minor offences at the Kailahun Correctional Centre, following a review of their cases aimed at promoting access to justice, ensuring proportionate sentencing and addressing prison overcrowding.
The exercise, conducted pursuant to the relevant supervisory and review powers under Cap. 17 of the Laws of Sierra Leone, 1960, provided an opportunity to examine convictions and sentences imposed by Magistrates’ Courts and determine whether intervention was warranted in the interests of justice.
Among those released was 20-year-old Abdul Momoh, who had been convicted of larceny after stealing one kilogramme of cocoa valued at NLe 80, equivalent to less than US$5.
Momoh, a resident of Kumbala in Kailahun Town, had been sentenced to six months’ imprisonment or to compensate the complainant with NLe 2,000. He disclosed that he had spent nearly three months at the correctional centre before his release.
Addressing the inmates before ordering their release, Chief Justice Kamanda cautioned that the exercise should not be misconstrued as an unconditional release of convicted persons. He emphasised that each decision was guided by the law and the overriding need to ensure fairness and justice.
The Chief Justice explained that the review also served as an opportunity to assess the work of Magistrates’ Courts and identify cases involving minor offences in which convictions or sentences merited judicial intervention.
He reiterated the importance of administering justice fairly and proportionately, while taking appropriate measures to reduce overcrowding in correctional facilities. He also urged the released inmates to learn from their experiences, desist from criminal conduct and become productive members of society.
The Member of Parliament for Kailahun District, Honourable Hindolo Moiwo Gevao, commended Chief Justice Kamanda for his commitment to expanding access to justice and upholding the rule of law.
“I commend the Chief Justice for being so desirous of promoting access to justice and upholding the rule of law,” Honourable Gevao said.
He further observed that the Chief Justice had made history by travelling to Kailahun to commission two residential quarters for the Resident High Court Judge and Magistrate before proceeding to the Correctional Centre to preside over proceedings that resulted in the release of eleven inmates.
Honourable Gevao expressed appreciation to the Chief Justice and his entourage for visiting the district and demonstrating a commitment to strengthening justice delivery.
Chief Justice Kamanda was accompanied by Honourable Justices John Bosco Allieu JA, Jamesina E. L. King JA, Santigie Ibrahim Sorie Bangura J and Isata Susan Sellu Tucker J, together with Magistrates and senior management staff of the Judiciary.
The exercise forms part of the Judiciary’s broader commitment to ensuring access to justice, promoting fairness in the administration of criminal justice and strengthening public confidence in the judicial system.
For further information, please contact the Judiciary of Sierra Leone Communications and Public Affairs Unit, visit www.judiciary.gov.sl, or follow the Judiciary on its official social media platforms.
